DHS Funding Paused as Lawmakers Clash Over Immigration Oversight

White House and Democrats at odds over demands for federal agents to identify themselves and wear body cameras

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A partial government shutdown has begun after congressional Democrats and the White House failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted, including requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves and wear body cameras, while the administration is unwilling to agree to these proposals.

Why it matters

The standoff over DHS funding and oversight of immigration enforcement highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration policy in the U.S. The fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal officers have added urgency to Democrats' calls for greater transparency and accountability, while the administration is seeking to maintain aggressive interior enforcement efforts.

The details

The partial government shutdown affects agencies such as the TSA, FEMA, U.S. Coast Guard, Secret Service, ICE, and CBP. About 90% of DHS employees will continue working without pay. Democrats are demanding that federal officers clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, display unique ID numbers, and obtain judicial warrants for arrests on private property. The administration has rejected these proposals, with White House border czar Tom Homan arguing that officers need to protect themselves.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 15, 2026 after the funding lapse.
  • Congress is on recess until February 23, 2026.

The players

Tom Homan

White House border czar.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader (D-NY).

Markwayne Mullin

Republican Senator from Oklahoma.

Katie Britt

Republican Senator from Alabama and Trump ally.

Donald Trump

The former president who made immigration enforcement a key priority and has continued to push for aggressive interior enforcement since returning to office.

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What they’re saying

“I don't like the masks, either. These men and women have to protect themselves.”

— Tom Homan, White House border czar (CBS' 'Face the Nation')

“And the question that Americans are asking is, 'Why aren't Republicans going along with these commonsense proposals?' They're not crazy. They're not way out. They're what every police department in America does.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (CNN's 'State of the Union')

“What are you going to do, expose their faces so you can intimidate their families?”

— Markwayne Mullin, Republican Senator (CNN's 'State of the Union')

What’s next

Congress is expected to return from recess on February 23, 2026 to continue negotiations over DHS funding and oversight of immigration enforcement.

The takeaway

This standoff reflects the deep partisan divide over immigration policy in the U.S., with the administration seeking to maintain aggressive interior enforcement while Democrats push for greater transparency and accountability around federal immigration operations.